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By Juliet Bawuah

The celebrated Ghana coach is urging the Black Stars coach to hold on to the unity in his team's camp which he believes is the key to his Afcon success

Former African Coach of the Year Sir Cecil Jones Attuquayefio has commended Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah for his exploits in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

Appiah, who was a player in 1982 when Ghana last won the trophy, has so far ensured that the team progressed to the semi-final a step closer in going for the ultimate.

Celebrated Attuquayefio, who won the maiden edition of the Caf Confederations Cup with Accra Hearts of Oak in 2004, has sent a letter of motivation to Appiah as he prepares his charges for the semi-final against Burkina Faso.

“You started your mission to conquer Africa by playing two preparatory games against Egypt and Tunisia. Although, we (Ghanaians) were so much impressed with the result and performance, others did not give you much chance. Many were worried about our first match in the AFCON competition against Congo for the mere fact that their coach is white and an ex-Black Stars coach for that matter,” the letter copied to Footyghana read in part.

It continued: “Your selection was even criticized because you played Kwadwo Asamoah at left back and the result of that match attracted very unpleasant commentaries about your competence.

“However, in all these, you kept your cool as always and all your responses during the press conferences were highly commendable.”

“Kwesi, you have done it again and you are close to the ultimate which, of course, seems to favour you. After all, one thing we should know about football is that underdogs are always a stubborn and hard nut to crack; hence, the outcome of the match against Cape Verde. The next match is likely to be difficult as well but in all this, I believe God is with us,” the former Ghana international stated.

Attuquayefio, a one-time Black Stars coach who has been battling throat cancer in the last three and half years is confident Appiah and his assistant Maxwell Konadu will win the 2013 Afcon for Ghana.

“Kwesi, Ghanaians seem to have also noticed some unflinching unity among your playing staff which is one of your cardinal pillars of your success and this has evidently shown in the character and attitude of your team when players are selected and substituted in a game.

“Whilst I wish to congratulate you on your achievement so far, I wish to similarly caution you to hold the unity of your technical team very well and not to compromise on it.

“May the Almighty God answer our prayers so you bring the Cup to Ghana once again after three decades. I wish you all the best and success,” he concluded.